Electrical upgrading work is expected to be finished ahead of schedule at The Cross in Chester city centre.
Scottish Power engineers arrived at the prominent location on January 23 with the project originally due to have been completed by February 13 but it is now anticipated the overhaul will be over by the end of the week.
The Cross is a key point in the network because a substation is located there.
Care has been taken to protect The Cross monument itself by covering it in scaffolding. For safety reasons, hoardings have been placed around the site with signs explaining that alternative access to businesses and St Peter’s Church is via The Rows and St Peter’s Courtyard off Northgate Street.
Scottish Power Energy Networks spokeswoman Jane Holmes said the upgrade was ‘necessary work’.
She added: “The work being carried out by SP Energy Networks at our substation situated at St Peter’s Church is part of an investment programme costing approximately £100k to upgrade the electricity network in the area. This work will improve the quality and reliability of supply for years to come.
“Work commenced on the 23 January 2016 and was due to be completed by 13 February 2016. Work is ahead of schedule and we are hopeful it will be completed by the end of this week.
Minimum disruption
“In order to minimise disruption we have been working closely with the local council, English Heritage and archaeological consultants, local businesses, tourist office and the church.
“We would like to thank the local residents and stakeholders for their support and patience throughout this work.”
Chester Cross is the junction of Watergate Street, Eastgate Street, Bridge Street and Northgate Street.
The centrepiece of The Cross is the Grade II listed building Chester High Cross, a medieval cross which was damaged in the Civil War, then removed elsewhere, and reinstated in its original position in 1975.
